Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! (1989)

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m an Eddie and the Cruisers fan. I loved the first movie, although I thought the story was a little dry. But the ending always made me want to know what happened to Eddie Wilson in the early-’60s since we all knew he didn’t necessarily end his life at the end of that bridge.

Enter “Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!” taking place roughly 25 years after the original time frame. Again, I’ll admit… this is a guilty pleasure of mine. This may not be “Gone With The Wind”, but it makes me smile each and every time I put on this corny movie. The supporting acting is so-so. The story is fairly by-the-numbers. As a sequel, it ties up most of the loose ends from the original. The lead actor and his love interest let’s say aren’t necessarily of the Academy Award caliber although they try. But the plot isn’t necessarily why we watch this movie and the director knew this. The music and what ultimately happened to Eddie is all this story aspires to. And the music is in one word… W-O-W!!!

It’s sad to note John Cafferty – the REAL voice of Eddie Wilson – has since passed away. I once watched him open for “Journey” decades ago. His perfectly soulful singing voice was unique and hits my heart just right. Having Michael Pare lip-syncing to those amazing tunes always puts a smile on my face, no matter the day.

Now if you’re expecting some blockbuster movie, this isn’t the one for you. This is a movie by what looks to be a group of people who simply wanted to give a proper send-off to a movie mystery that the audience wanted to see. It isn’t grand. It isn’t intellectual. It may not even be all that good. But it’s fitting – and the music is special.

I’m thankful to watch this every few years. Some of the music is on my iPod and I listen to it often. As a movie, this is at most a 5 simply because it ties up the loose ends of the original and watching a movie hero create a band is creative and enjoyable. But the music… a solid 10 as far as I’m concerned. 🙂 RIP John Cafferty. You are missed.

What do you think of the film? Let us know in the comments below.

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